2023 LiveWire S2 Del Mar LE first look

Here are the essential numbers LiveWire is targeting with this model: 80 horsepower, 0 to 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, less than 440 pounds, city range of 100 miles, and an MSRP of $17,699 for the initial 100 Launch Editions sold. A standard S2 Del Mar model will be available after the LEs are delivered in early 2023, with a target MSRP of $15,000 for those base models. Does LiveWire have your attention?

It's not exactly clear what LiveWire means by listing target figures instead of solid specs. Press materials note that performance may vary based on rider and riding conditions, and with deliveries at least half a year out, some of these details might still be in flux as the Del Mar inaugurates LiveWire's middleweight S2 Arrow EV platform. LiveWire says the platform is “scalable” and intended to power more models, but for now, the Del Mar carries the torch. 

“The S2 Del Mar model represents the next step in the evolution of the LiveWire brand,” said Jochen Zeitz, Chairman, President and CEO of Harley-Davidson. “The ARROW architecture underpinning the Del Mar, developed in-house at LiveWire Labs, demonstrates our ambition to lead in the EV space and establish LiveWire as the most desirable electric motorcycle brand in the world.”

Zeitz has called Harley-Davidson the most desirable motorcycle brand in the world, so it’s no surprise to hear him echo that sentiment as acting CEO of LiveWire. Harley-Davidson retains a controlling share in LiveWire after a deal involving Kymco and a Wall Street merger to make LiveWire a publicly traded company. LiveWire’s aggressive growth targets largely depend on the success of models like the S2 Del Mar.

The S2 LE has Level 1 and Level 2 charging. To the dismay of Common Tread’s electric motorcycle aficionado, Jen Dunstan, there was no mention of Level 3 DC fast charging as found on the LiveWire ONE. LiveWire hasn’t announced charge times for their Del Mar, but if Level 3 isn’t an option, it will be sorely missed by riders who have used it on other motorcycles.

The S2 Del Mar uses street tracker styling similar to the concept images shown over the last few years for this model. The bike rolls on 19-inch cast wheels, available in a special alternate design for the LE models only, and wears Dunlop DT1 flat track tires, “equally capable on paved and dirt surfaces.” All LiveWire S2 Del Mar motorcycles are assembled at Harley’s plant in York, Pennsylvania.

The S2 Del Mar LE was offered in Jasper Gray or Comet Indigo, applied by hand in a process that takes five days. Since LiveWire’s 100 LE units are all claimed, you’ll have to wait for the regular production S2 Del Mar to buy LiveWire’s latest. Colors and options haven’t been announced for the standard Del Mars.